Fundraiser Preview!!

So plans for our upcoming fundraiser concert are well underway and we thought it was about time we gave you a preview! In addition to the free food and cheap drinks specials (more on that later), there will be a full concert program featuring eclectic performances by Natti Vogel, The Isaac Jaffe Quintet and the howl (theory). Regardless of whether you’re a rock fan, a classical aficionado or a jazz lover, there’s sure to be something that you’ll enjoy. The fundraiser will take place on April 1st from 7:00-10:00 at Solas (232 E 9th St, between 2nd & 3rd Ave.). Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 on the door and are on sale here. Latecomers will be permitted although they may have to wait until an appropriate moment in the performance to enter.

First up will be “indie rock fusion virtuoso” (New York Press), Natti Vogel. Described as “an artist who can transform you” (Diane Taha, Associated Content), Natti will be performing alongside cellist, Valerie Kuehne, guitarist, Owen Wang, and drummer, Ace Salisbury. As a musician Natti defies categorization, intelligently incorporating elements of indie rock, classical music and jazz into his own semi-theatrical compositions and performances. To get a feel for what he does you should head over to www.nattivogel.com. His shows are always full of energy and he’s a wonderfully soulful live performer (photo by Lucia Rollow).

Following Natti will be percussion trio, the howl (theory), who, along with guest percussionist, Matt Donello, will be performing works by Steve Reich, Angélica Negrón, Julia Wolfe, David Lang and John Cage. In addition to the usual percussion battery of drums, wood blocks, gongs etc. they’ll be incorporating all sorts of unconventional instruments into their performance, including toy pianos, bubble wrap, harmonicas, hand fans, chairs and electronics. As a group they’re also very dedicated to new music, and are actively involved in commissioning and performing works by young, emerging composers. They’re excited to present the second performance of Angélica Negrón’s brand new piece, Count To Five, which was premiered this past weekend by the Iktus Percussion Quartet.

Finishing up the program will be the Isaac Jaffe Quintet, featuring Ben Syverson (trumpet), Frank Cogliano (guitar), Kirk Schoenherr (guitar), Sam Levin (drums) and Isaac Jaffe (upright bass). Described by All About Jazz as a bassist with “all the groovy elasticity necessary to encompass the melodic complexity of compositions,” Isaac is both a dynamic instrumentalist and a fantastic composer. His quintet is well worth coming to see! For more information check out his website at www.isaacjaffe.com.

Just in case seeing all of those artists isn’t enough of a reason for you to fork out a measly $10 and come to the fundraiser (or $15 if you’re not the type to book ahead), we’ll also have very cheap drinks specials, including Mojitos, Margaritas and all domestic beers ($4 before 8, $5 afterwards). The private room at Solas is reserved exclusively for our use, and it’s going to be a great evening!

On top of this, you’ll also have the satisfaction of knowing that the money you spend on your ticket will go towards funding the Syzygy New Music Collective’s upcoming projects. When else will a Friday morning hangover have such dignified justification? You’ll be able to call yourself a patron of the arts and support contemporary music just by having a fun night out and watching some great performances.

So now that we’ve (hopefully) convinced you to stop by the fundraiser, you can head over to Brown Paper Tickets to make your reservation.

That’s it from us for now. We’re looking forward to seeing you all soon!